Welcome to Russia!

Geography and territory Russia is situated in the east of Europe and the north of Asia. It is contiguous with 14 states and has the longest borderline in the world. Its territory is 17,075,400 sq. km.

Major cities, administrative division The Russian Federation includes 21 republics, 6 territories, 49 regions, 1 autonomous region, 10 autonomous districts, and 2 cities of federal subordination: Moscow and St. Petersburg. The capital of Russia is Moscow (about 10 million residents). The largest cities (above 1 million) are: St. Petersburg (4.6 million), Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Ekaterinburg, Samara, Omsk, Chel'abinsk, Kazan', Perm', Ufa, Rostov-on-Don, and Volgograd.

Political system Russia is a federal republic. The head of state is President, but the executive power is also exercised by the Government under a Prime Minister. The legislative power belongs to the Federal Assembly which consists of two houses: the Federation Council and the State Duma.

Population and language There are about 143.3 million people in Russia (the data of 2002), 80% of whom are Russians (Slavs). Besides, more than a hundred different national and ethnic groups live in Russia. The most numerous of them are Ukrainians and Tatars, as well as Armenians, Azerbaijanians, Kazakhs, Hebrews and Germans. The official (state) language throughout the whole territory of the Russian Federation is Russian.

Religion in Russia Religion has played a very important role in the evolution of Russian culture. The largest of the religions, Orthodox Christianity, is predominantly represented by the Russian Orthodox Church that with the efficient support from the state has effectively established itself as state religion. Its adherents are said to number over 150 million worldwide.

Education in Russia Russia is considered to be one of the leading countries in terms of providing high quality of education in strong academic traditions; no doubt there are thousands of foreigners striving for getting admission to Russian universities that offer numerous educational programs in multiple disciplines of technical and humanitarian spheres.

Interesting facts about Russia Russia is the only country in the world washed by 12 seas. There are more than 40 operating fountains and 5 cascades in Peterhof, located in the suburbs of St.Petersburg. Many Russian people prefer to spend their holidays and free time in ther summer houses outside the cities which are called "dacha". Russian people like celebrations. They take a chance of every single reason to treat their colleagues - be it their birthday or a wedding, or a promotion within the company. Cakes, sweets, Russian sandwiches are always welcome!

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